Norfolk

The Tidewater Region has a new main attraction. Hilton Norfolk (Va.)'s THE MAIN is a new 21-story waterfront property. Whether in town for business or tourism, guests will appreciate THE MAIN for its expansive views from anywhere within the glass edifice, and its proximity to the nightlife of Granby Street and the city's also-new Waterside District, an entertainment center.

By day, tour The USS Wisconsin. visible across from THE MAIN, which was in service for 50 years. Steps from the battleship, Nauticus museum sheds light on The Wisconsin's engagements, shipboard life, and port traditions.

in addition, at nearby Glass Studio on Duke Street, there are demonstrations of glass blowing. Across the way in the same section, the Chrysler Museum now houses a lively exhibition examining the career and creativity of Toulouse-Latrec.

Unwind from a day of sightseeing, back at the hotel, where Cruvinet at Varia offers a 24 bottle enomatic wine studio. Cruvinet is the ideal entry to dinner at THE MAIN's Varia. . Ask sommelier Bethany Morris about pairings.

Another option before dining is THE MAIN's 10,000 square foot rooftop beer garden Grain. Guests and locals mingle here after five- the hippest place downtown. The decor is winter lodge casual, the view panoramic, the craft beer list just as infinite.Follow dinner at Varia, with an evening of entertainment on historic Granby Street.

THE MAIN features amenities for all manner of travelers, including fast casual organic food and juice presses in Fruitive, a first floor restaurant. Another first floor establishment is sushi and seafoord bar Saltine. Owner Bruce Thompson, a Tidewater native, was integral in selecting the handsomely framed wall art, photographs, and lofty bookshelves which grace THE MAIN throughout.

THE MAIN is not simply a playland. There are 42,000 feet of convertible space, including a 18,382 Grand Ballroom with space for 2,000 people, largest in Virginia. Even amid the business areas, inviting sofas and quiet nooks facilitate smaller conversations or re-visiting e-mail.

Beachgoers may drive less than a half hour to Virginia Beach. Cruise for ice cream or custard, people watch on the expansive Boardwalk,which will stoke an appetite for lunch or dinner at Mahi Mah's. For cultire, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Catch 31 is a great seafood dinner choice. In fall 2017 the historic Cavalier Hotel will open again here- many U.S. presidents stayed in the majestic original property. On 67th Street are the headquarters of the Association For Research And Enlightenment, dedicated to the work and commemoration of Edgar Cayce, "The Sleeping Prophet" who diagnosed more than 10,000 ailments through the letters mailed by correspondents. For a different type of spirits, Chris Richeson of Chesapeake Bay Distillery is a great crafts artisan and personality known for his signature rums and vodkas.

Norfolk and Virginia Beach are part of what is considered (Tidewater Region) as The Birthplace of American Cuisine, home of the James River, cherrystone clams, Virginia Smithfield Ham, and other local delights. Have THE MAIN's concierge arrange a Taste Virginia Tours tailored van exploration of the craft spirits and kitchen delicacies of the area. Norfolk Hilton THE MAIN combines the high end service and modern motif of a boutique establishment with the spacious presence of a conference center. Around every corner, discover your own pleasant accents and surprises.